MLA Santa Mary Shylla opens futsal playground in Saipung

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 22, 2025

A new Futsal Playground funded through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Fund was inaugurated today by the Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Santa Mary Shylla, at Saipung Village.

The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the DMF Trust, East Jaintia Hills, Shivansh Awasthi, IAS; Local MDC Lalwilliam Thiaite; Public Prosecutor S. Pdang; Saipung Block Development Officer Dr. R. Pyrtuh; along with traditional heads and residents of the area.

In her address, MLA Santa Mary Shylla highlighted the government and district administration’s focus on promoting sports through investment in infrastructure and urged the community to make good use of the new facility while maintaining it responsibly. She emphasized the importance of building more sports facilities to foster a sporting culture among youth and encourage active participation for health and well-being.

The MLA also announced plans for improving the road connecting Sutnga and Saipung, with work expected to start within the next four to five months.

Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi thanked the people of Saipung for donating land for the playground and encouraged students and youth to view sports not only as a hobby but also as a potential career. He stressed the role of sports in maintaining physical health and mental well-being and expressed hope that the district’s youth will excel in state and national competitions, including the National Games to be held in Meghalaya in 2027.

Awasthi also shared information about government schemes supporting athletes, such as the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme, Cash Award Scheme, and Scholarship Scheme. He emphasized early identification of sporting talent to help nurture skills.

Other speakers included Local MDC Lalwilliam Thiaite, Block Development Officer Dr. R. Pyrtuh, Sirdar of Saipung Elaka Zosiama Thianglai, and Headman of Saipung Lalniama Nampui.

The event featured cultural performances by local artistes, adding vibrancy to the inauguration programme.